Religion Notes: March 23

Published: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:57 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 11:57 a.m.

The “More Than just a Man” Easter Worship Experience is set for 7 p.m. today and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church East Flat Rock, 2227 Spartanburg Highway.

Join the church as it looks at the ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea.

“More Than just a Man” provides a glimpse into the controversy surrounding the Messiah.

Call 828-692-0765 or visit www.fbcefr.org for more information.

Church supports marriage equality

First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1735 Fifth Ave. W., plans a Marriage Equality Prayer Service for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S.

Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases that challenge laws limiting the freedom to marry: Proposition 8 (the California law overturning a state court decision allowing same-sex marriages) and DOMA (the federal Defense of Marriage Act). Church pastor, the Rev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, said, “This will be the historic civil rights decision of our generation. The just decision is clear in my mind: granting the rights and privileges of marriage to all loving couples regardless of gender. Can you imagine the joy and relief there would be for our LGBT friends across the country and for us who are allies, if the court made a broad ruling that stated that defining marriage as legal only between a man and woman is unconstitutional, because it denies equal protection of the law to all citizens.” Call 828-692-8630 or visit fcchendersonville.org for more information.

Cross walk set for Good Friday

First United Methodist Church at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Church Street, hosts a Good Friday Cross Walk at 9:45 a.m. Friday.

Join in this annual witness by carrying and walking in silence with a wooden cross down Main Street and back to the church on the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a family-friendly event.

There will be a brief devotion in the church parking lot beforehand.

The event will take place during rain or shine. Hot beverages and homemade hot cross buns will be served after the walk. Parking is available off Buncombe Street.

Call 828-693-4275 or visit www.fumchvlnc.

org for more information.

St. James team leaving for Honduras

A team of 10 members of St. James Episcopal Church at 766 N. Main St., will leave April 8 for a weeklong mission trip to Our Little Roses, a home for orphaned and abandoned girls in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Our Little Roses provides a home and education for more than 70 at-risk girls from throughout Honduras.

Diana Frade, wife of the then-Episcopal bishop of Honduras, founded the mission in 1988 out of concern for the large number of homeless children in Honduras.

Mission teams, mostly from Episcopal churches in the United States, serve as “extended family” for the girls, nurturing and encouraging them. The team will take clothing, toys and other needed items, along with financial contributions to help sustain Our Little Roses.

St. James hopes to build a lasting relationship with Our Little Roses with the goal of sponsoring a mission trip every year. Members of this year’s team are Greg and Marsha Allen, Frank and Ethlyn Byrd, Robert and Kim Cathers, Karen Atkinson, Jeremy Lee, Dauna Donato and Carroll Toole.

A video being developed to build support for the Our Little Roses ministry can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v= 0YUsbq1RCOw.

Anyone wishing to make a financial contribution may send a check to St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792, labeled “OLR Mission Trip.” Questions may be directed to Frank or Ethlyn Byrd at fjb22@ morissbb.net.

Annual sunrise service set at Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park hosts the 58th annual Easter Sunrise Service from 6:307 a.m. March 31.

The event attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The interdenominational community celebration includes live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and — with some cooperation from above — a beautiful sunrise with 75-mile views.

The park gate opens 5-6 a.m. for the service on the top parking lot below the Chimney. Stay to enjoy the park all day, or drop in for a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Cafe and return for free re-admission with both your receipt and Easter program. The park’s regular hours are from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, with the ticket plaza closing at 5:30 p.m.

The Rev. David MacEachern, pastor of Bat Cave Baptist Church, is coordinating the music and service. Several other pastors from area churches are participating. The Easter service will feature bagpipes and John Mason, the park’s featured entertainer, on hammered dulcimer. It will air live on 1450 WHKP-AM Radio and be rebroadcast at noon for those unable to attend. Attendees are invited to a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Cafe from 7-11 a.m. for $9.79 for adults and $5.79 for children (ages 10 and younger), including beverages.

Limited parking is available in the top lot with additional parking on the Meadows. Shuttle buses will transport guests between the Meadows and top lot. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Call 800-2779611 or visit chimneyrockpark. com for more information.

ARDEN

New Anglican church seeks members

St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church is a new mission church that meets at 10 a.m. for adult Sunday school and 11 a.m. for service in the ABCCM building, 10 Buck Shoals Road, Arden.

The Easter service will be at 11 a.m. March 31 at the Hilton in Biltmore Park, 43 Town Square Blvd. The mission started in January.

Visit www.stmichaelandallangels. net or call 828-890-3900 for more information.

<p>Easter drama at E. Flat Rock church </p><p>The “More Than just a Man” Easter Worship Experience is set for 7 p.m. today and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church East Flat Rock, 2227 Spartanburg Highway.</p><p>Join the church as it looks at the ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea.</p><p>“More Than just a Man” provides a glimpse into the controversy surrounding the Messiah.</p><p>Call 828-692-0765 or visit www.fbcefr.org for more information. </p><p>Church supports marriage equality </p><p>First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1735 Fifth Ave. W., plans a Marriage Equality Prayer Service for 7 p.m. Tuesday.</p><p>On Tuesday and Wednesday, the U.S.</p><p>Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases that challenge laws limiting the freedom to marry: Proposition 8 (the California law overturning a state court decision allowing same-sex marriages) and DOMA (the federal Defense of Marriage Act). Church pastor, the Rev. Dr. E. Richard Weidler, said, “This will be the historic civil rights decision of our generation. The just decision is clear in my mind: granting the rights and privileges of marriage to all loving couples regardless of gender. Can you imagine the joy and relief there would be for our LGBT friends across the country and for us who are allies, if the court made a broad ruling that stated that defining marriage as legal only between a man and woman is unconstitutional, because it denies equal protection of the law to all citizens.” Call 828-692-8630 or visit fcchendersonville.org for more information. </p><p>Cross walk set for Good Friday </p><p>First United Methodist Church at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Church Street, hosts a Good Friday Cross Walk at 9:45 a.m. Friday.</p><p>Join in this annual witness by carrying and walking in silence with a wooden cross down Main Street and back to the church on the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a family-friendly event.</p><p>There will be a brief devotion in the church parking lot beforehand.</p><p>The event will take place during rain or shine. Hot beverages and homemade hot cross buns will be served after the walk. Parking is available off Buncombe Street.</p><p>Call 828-693-4275 or visit www.fumchvlnc.</p><p>org for more information. </p><p>St. James team leaving for Honduras </p><p>A team of 10 members of St. James Episcopal Church at 766 N. Main St., will leave April 8 for a weeklong mission trip to Our Little Roses, a home for orphaned and abandoned girls in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.</p><p>Our Little Roses provides a home and education for more than 70 at-risk girls from throughout Honduras.</p><p>Diana Frade, wife of the then-Episcopal bishop of Honduras, founded the mission in 1988 out of concern for the large number of homeless children in Honduras.</p><p>Mission teams, mostly from Episcopal churches in the United States, serve as “extended family” for the girls, nurturing and encouraging them. The team will take clothing, toys and other needed items, along with financial contributions to help sustain Our Little Roses. </p><p>St. James hopes to build a lasting relationship with Our Little Roses with the goal of sponsoring a mission trip every year. Members of this year's team are Greg and Marsha Allen, Frank and Ethlyn Byrd, Robert and Kim Cathers, Karen Atkinson, Jeremy Lee, Dauna Donato and Carroll Toole. </p><p>A video being developed to build support for the Our Little Roses ministry can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v= 0YUsbq1RCOw. </p><p>Anyone wishing to make a financial contribution may send a check to St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC 28792, labeled “OLR Mission Trip.” Questions may be directed to Frank or Ethlyn Byrd at fjb22@ morissbb.net. </p><p>Annual sunrise service set at Chimney Rock </p><p>Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park hosts the 58th annual Easter Sunrise Service from 6:307 a.m. March 31. </p><p>The event attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The interdenominational community celebration includes live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and — with some cooperation from above — a beautiful sunrise with 75-mile views. </p><p>The park gate opens 5-6 a.m. for the service on the top parking lot below the Chimney. Stay to enjoy the park all day, or drop in for a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Cafe and return for free re-admission with both your receipt and Easter program. The park's regular hours are from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, with the ticket plaza closing at 5:30 p.m. </p><p>The Rev. David MacEachern, pastor of Bat Cave Baptist Church, is coordinating the music and service. Several other pastors from area churches are participating. The Easter service will feature bagpipes and John Mason, the park's featured entertainer, on hammered dulcimer. It will air live on 1450 WHKP-AM Radio and be rebroadcast at noon for those unable to attend. Attendees are invited to a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Cafe from 7-11 a.m. for $9.79 for adults and $5.79 for children (ages 10 and younger), including beverages. </p><p>Limited parking is available in the top lot with additional parking on the Meadows. Shuttle buses will transport guests between the Meadows and top lot. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Call 800-2779611 or visit chimneyrockpark. com for more information. </p><p>ARDEN </p><p>New Anglican church seeks members </p><p>St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church is a new mission church that meets at 10 a.m. for adult Sunday school and 11 a.m. for service in the ABCCM building, 10 Buck Shoals Road, Arden. </p><p>The Easter service will be at 11 a.m. March 31 at the Hilton in Biltmore Park, 43 Town Square Blvd. The mission started in January. </p><p>Visit www.stmichaelandallangels. net or call 828-890-3900 for more information. </p><p>Compiled from staff reports</p>